Pensioners own media is a an independent effort of Er.S.C.Maheshwari to provide as many Publication of Pensioners Associations as possible on one platform and the latest information concerning Sr Citizens & Pensioners.All Federations & Associations irrespective of their affiliation &ideologies are welcome to send their publications and write-ups in pdf format of maximum 10MB size.

Govt’s
Litigation policy:This Association had
proposed to the Government the necessities that have emerged in the preceding
years to consider actively an immediate Amendment to the archaic Pension Act
1871 – vide last PD. The proposal had also quoted Judicial observations in this
behalf. Now, ‘Deccan Herald’ (Bangalore) in its Editorial (May 5, 2018) has
proposed ‘Centre must finalise Litigation Policy’. It is quite
meaningful. The Editorial is reproduced below :

(Quote)The
Supreme Court’s scathing criticism of the government’s litigation policy and
practices is well deserved, as the conduct of governments, both at the Centre
and in the States, is a major cause of obstruction of justice. The government
is the country’s most profile litigant and 46% of the pending cases in courts have been filed by the
governments. The Centre is to be blamed more than the States as it is clear
from the court’s observation that “the couldn’t-care-less and insouciant
attitude of the Union of India has gone too far.” Cases are filed again and
again even on the same issue. The court’s comments were occasioned by the third
batch of appeals over a similar question of law in the same matter. The court
had dismissed the first batch in December, the second batch in March this year
with a fine, and the third batch was now before it. Such unnecessary litigation
is common, and not an exception.

A very large number of disputes which can be
settled departmentally or even ignored are taken to courts by the government. The
decisions on various dispute settlement forums are not accepted and appeals are
made. The fear of being questioned later and of enquiries and actions makes
officials take even silly issues to court and appeal against all unfavourable
decisions, especially those relating to money. The cost of litigation may be
more than the amount involved in the dispute. Sometimes cases are instituted
just to harass people or other parties like the NGOs, and at other times to
extract or bribes or favours. The government has an array of legal manpower and
infrastructure, and so the cost is no consideration. But, as the court noted,
the burden is on the ordinary citizen who has to spend a “small fortune” to get
justice.

The result is that the cases clog the courts
and all cases are delayed causing injustice to ordinary litigants. A National
Litigation Policy was drawn up in 2010 which was intended to make the
government an “efficient and responsible litigant” and to reduce the pendency
of cases in courts from 15 to three years. The policy was revised in 2015 and
again, as the court noted “Nothing has been finalised for the last about eight
years. Delays are caused not just by the governments’ itch for litigation but
by other factors like shortages of judges, cumbersome court procedures and
practices, and other reasons. But they can be reduced greatly if governments
restrain themselves and avoid all unnecessary, vexatious and frivolous
litigation. That will promote the cause of justice which now finds undermined
in many ways.(Unquote)

( PS:In the above
background, please consider this case. We made out a case of waiver of excess
payment to a Railway cancer-affected pensioner. The Supreme Court had allowed
such waiver, by a judgement. When the pensioner’s case went to the Railway
Board, the latter responds with a question as to the ‘effective date for the
waiver’ in the SC judgement! Who is to answer? Please judge.)

‘Swach Bharat Pakhwada’ :DoP&PW New Delhi has issued
Circular d/ May 11 to all identified Pensioners Assns, requesting for
observance of the programme in May 2018. The programme is to sensitize the
members and the public on cleanliness in the neighbourhood. In response, the
Co-ordination Committee of CGPA Karnataka has convened a Programme on June 5 in
Girinagar, Bangalore. No matter it is delayed, the members all around and
outstations may please observe the programme, and report to us with fotos (to
be sent to Delhi). (As the PD is sent on-line to those with e-mail ID, those
getting it before June 5, may call up Organiser Shri Suryaprakash, Mobile 94483
75138, inform their participation, so that proper arrangements could be made.)

Karnataka
COC demands higher Minimum Pay : With
graphics and illustrations, the Karnataka unit of the Confederation of Central
Govt Employees Unions, Bangalore, has come out with the following Presentation,
on G-connect website. It requires the attention of the Central Govt.

Revision of Minimum
Pay and Fitment formula due to increased revenue collections of the Central
Government

Comrades,Today, none of the 7th
CPC related demands of Central Government Employees is settled. The assurance
given by the Group of Ministers to the NJCA leaders regarding increase in
Minimum Pay and Fitment formula is in paper even after a lapse of 20 months.
Now the Finance Minister has replied in Parliament that “no change in Minimum
Pay and Fitment formula is at present under consideration”.

To avert the 11th July CG employees strike the Hon’ble Prime Minster had
instructed the group of Hon’ble Ministers including Shri Rajnath Singhji,
Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhuji , Hon’ble Railway Minister and Shri
Arun Jaitelyji , Hon’ble Finance Minister to hold discussions with the Staff
Side (JCM) on 30th June 2016 and the Shri Arun Jaitelyji , Hon’ble Finance
Minister had published a written assurances in the Government website on 6th
July 2016 leading to deferment of the strike .

Pay Commission Objective: It is the endeavour of every pay commission to
ensure that the pay and allowances of employees should be ‘fair and
reasonable’. The pay structure should also motivate the employees to reasonable
levels of performance in the tasks assigned to them, so that the general public
derive the benefit of their service as intended.

Comparison of earlier wage hike we can observe that the fitment factor
of 2.57 times is the lowest comparing to other pay commissions. If we make a
study of earlier pay commission.

Pay Commission

Year

Minimum wage ( old )

Minimum wage (revised)

Increase

2nd CPC

1959

Rs 55/-

Rs 80/-

1.45 times

3rd CPC

1973

Rs 80/-

Rs 196/-

2.45 times

4th CPC

1986

Rs 196/-

Rs 750/-

3.82 times

5th CPC

1996

Rs 750/-

Rs 2550/-

3.40 times

6th CPC*

2006

Rs 2550/-

Rs 7000/-

2.74 times

7th CPC *

2016

Rs 7000/-

Rs 18000/-

2.57 times

Comparative picture of pay of Central
Government and State Government in regards to minimum wage as on 1.7.2017

Many of the State Governments are following the Central Government pay
scales, but a few state Governments have improved upon the Central Government
pay scales. The examples are as under:

Government
Agency

Group “D” Basic
pay in Rs

Add Skill 25%
from Group “D” to Group “C”

Group “C”

Basic Pay in Rs

DA %

Add DA Amount
in Rs

Basic Pay in
Group “C” in Rs

Govt. of India

Nil

18000

5

900

18900

Andhra
Pradesh & Telangana

13000

3250

16250

24.1

3916

20166

Kerala

16500

4125

20625

14

2887

23512

Karnataka

17000

4250

21250

Nil

21250

The financial
position of the Central Government is very good. Even the GDP (Gross Domestic
Product) has shown increase in last few years which is around 7% , the Indian
economy is fastest growing and placed 7th in the world ( which is at 2,250.987
billions of $ ), comparing to wages paid in the world our wages are at lower
level. The Government fiscal budget deficit equal to 3.50 percent of the
country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2016. Compared to 2008 where the fiscal
deficit was at 7.8 %, but today the fiscal deficit is contained at 3.5%. This
is also a healthy sign of the economic status of the Central Government
financial status, the budget fiscal deficit is always below 4%.

Direct tax collections in 2017-18 at Rs 9.95
lakh crore, exceeded the revised budgetary target of Rs 9.8 lakh crore. Also,
6.84 crore income tax returns filed in the year against 5.43 crore in the
previous year signalling a rise of 26 % . A net of 99.5 lakh new assesses were
added to the tax net.

Net collection from corporate tax went up 17.1
per cent while that from personal income tax rose 18.9 %.

The revenue collection from Goods and Services
Tax (GST) exceeded Rs 1 lakh crore in April 2018, GST revenue collected in
April 2018 came at Rs 1,03,458 crore.

With the improved economic climate, introduction
of e-way bill and improved GST compliance, GST collections would continue to
show a positive trend.

The wage bill of the Central Government on in
its employees is less than 10% or 3.4% of the GDP, which is less compared to
various countries world wide .

Vacancy of the Central Government
is about 15 % , more than 4 lakhs vacancies are existing in the Central
Government the work load is being carried out by the existing employees. The
Government being a model employer should pay for its employees and motivate
them to work more for implementation of its policies.

Hence due to
the improved revenue earning of the Central Government, as assured to the staff
side JCM by the Group of Ministers in respect of increase of Minimum Pay and Fitment formula, the Central
Government should increase the Minimum Pay and Fitment formula.Issued by COC
Karnataka

Minutes
of 30th SCOVA Meet :It runs quite a few
pages. It is given inthe Attachment.

e-PPO:The Ministry of Defence has issued
(May 14) the following Note, on introduction of e-PPO system:

(Quote)Furthering
the Digital India-initiatives of Govt. of India, Principal Controller of
Defence Accounts(Pensions), Allahabad has startedissuance of electronic-Pension
Payment Orders (e-PPOs) to the pensioners along with their Pension Disbursement
Agencies viz., Banks, Defence Pension Disbursement Offices, Post Offices, etc.
What began in the first phase, for all Commissioned Officers and JCOs/ORs of
Armed Forces from the month of October 2017, has now been extended to all
defence pensioners including defence civilians.

Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions),
Allahabad is the sole agency under Ministry of Defence which sanctions Pensions
for the Defence Services viz., Army, Coast Guard, Defence Research and
Development Organization,General Reserve Engineer Force, Border Roads
Organization, Military Engineering Services and other Defence organisations
including Defence Account Department and Defence Civilians.

The shift from manual system to e-PPO system is
expected to minimize delays in pension disbursement and further revision as and
when needed. This initiative also eliminates the occurrence of human errors in
data entry at multiple levels.

The next big step in this direction would be
digitizing pension documents received from 46 record offices and more than 2900
Heads of Offices. This initiative by PCDA (P) will facilitate better
implementation of OROP.(Unquote)

7th CPC benefits to Autonomous bodies’ pensioners:The BPS New Delhi has written a long
letter d/ 20 April 2018 to Union Commerce Minister Shri Prabhu, on the
immediate need to extend the benefits of 7CPC to these pensioners.

Meantime, the Ministry of Commerce
& Industry, New Delhi, has issued the following OM No.5/20/2008-Plant (Co.ord)
(Part) d/ May 15, 2018, which is self-explanatory. It is addressed to the Dy
Chairman, Tea Board, Calcutta; the Secretary, Coffee Board, Bengaluru; the
Executive Director, Rubber Board, Kottayam ; and the Chairman, Spices Board,
Kochi. We congratulate these pensioners, who fought their way with zeal and
strength for over a year.

(Quote)I
am directed to inform that the issue of extension of benefits of the 7th
Pay Commission to the pensioners and family pensioners of Commodity Boards viz.
Tea Board, Coffee Board, Rubber Board and Spices Board, was examined in the
Department. The Competent Authority has
considered the extension of such benefit w.e.f. 1.1.2018 subject to the
condition that the Boards can meet the additional requirement from their own
resources and budget presently available.

2. This issues with the approval of the Competent
Authority and in concurrence with
Finance Division, vide their Dy.No.64/FD/2018 dated 11th May 2018.

PS: What is surprising is that the OM gives the
‘effective date’ to be 1.1.2018, instead of 1.1.2016. It may be recalled that
there is a Judgement of the Supreme Court, wherein it is stated that the
effective date should not be one to one group of pensioners, and another date
for a second group of pensioners. Tis may have to be examined.

CPAO
on Excess payment:The OM d/
16 May 2018 on the subjectis
self-explanatory:

(Quote)Subject: Recovery of excess
payment made to pensioners.

It has been brought to the notice of this office
that some Bank branches are refusing to disburse the family pension to the
family pensioners until and unless the whole overpaid amount is credited back
to the bank. This issue was also highlighted in the Standing Committee of
Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) meeting Chaired by Hon’ble Minister of State of the
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

In this context, RBI in consultation with Office of the CGA, Ministry of
Finance, Deptt. of Expenditure has issued instructions for recovery of excess
payment made to pensioners vide their Circular No. RBI/2015-16/340 DGBA GAD
No.2960/45.01.001/ 2015-16 dated-17.03.2016 which is reproduced below:

a) As soon as the excess/wrong payment made to a
pensioner comes to the notice of the paying branch, the branch should adjust
the same against the amount standing to the credit of the pensioner’s account
to the extent possible including lumpsum arrears payment.

b) If the entire amount of
over payment cannot be adjusted from the account, the pensioner may be asked to
pay forthwith the balance amount of over payment.

c) In case the pensioner
expresses his inability to pay the amount, the same may be adjusted from the
future pension payments to be made to the pensioners. For recovering the
over-payment made to pensioner from his future pension payment in instalments
1/3rd of net (pension plus relief) payable each month may be recovered unless
the pensioner concerned gives consent in writing to pay a higher instalment
amount.

d) If the over payment
cannot be recovered from the pensioner due to his death or discontinuance of
pension then action has to be taken as per the letter of undertaking given by
the pensioner under the scheme.

e) The pensioner may also
be advised about the details of over payment/ wrong payment and mode of its
recovery.

The above uniform procedure
may be strictly adhered to while effecting recovery of excess/wrong pension
payments made to pensioners and necessary instructions may be issued to the
bank branches to ensure that no branch may refuse the pension/family pension to
the pensioners on the pretext of excess payment/ recoveries.

This issues with the
approval of Chief Controller (Pensions).

sd/-(Md. Shahid Kamal Ansari)
(Asstt. Controller of Accounts)

(Unquote)

CPAO on non-issue
of Pension slips by Banks:The
CPAO New Delhi has issued the following OM d/ May 15, 2018, on the subject.

Attention is invited to para 4.6.6 of CPPC
Guidelines issued by CPAO whereby it has been mentioned that “The Home Branch
will meet all information needs of the pensioner using the CPPC system. The
CPPC software will display on the computer screen, options and view of the
details of calculation of pension and its breakup of the pension paid to the
pensioner/ family pensioner. The Home Branch will act as intermediary between
the pensioner & CPPC and, besides providing accounts statement, provide to
the pensioners the TDS, pension slip, the Due and Drawn Statement in respect of
each arrear and the Annual Income Statement”.

In view of the above, Heads of CPPCs and Heads of
Government Business Divisions of all the authorized banks are requested to
strictly adhere to the above mentioned provision of para 4.6.6 of the CPPC
guidelines.

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry
of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public
Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy & Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said
here today that the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is
sensitive to employees’ concerns and a number of decisions taken during the
last four years, are aimed in the direction of addressing employees’ issues and
providing them a motivating environment.

Dr Jitendra Singh was speaking to a
delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) led by Shri M. Sudhakar Rao,
Secretary General of Geological Survey of India Employees Sangh affiliated to
BMS.

The members of the delegation submitted
two memoranda to the Minister. One of them related to the alleged discrepancy
in Recruitment Rules (RRs) of the Non-Gazetted Group ‘B’ Assistants in the
Ministry of Mines, Geological Survey of India. The other memorandum proposed
the setting up of a Joint Consultative machinery for arbitration.

Dr Jitendra Singh held a detailed
discussion on each of the issues raised. He said that he will get the issues
examined.

Railway
Ministry issues Comprehensive Order on Empanelment of Hospitals : OM d/ 25
April 2018 :The Railway Ministry has embarked on bringing
out a what-is-called ‘comprehensive’ guidelines on the task of empanelment of
hospitals. It has even delegated the powers to local Medical officers. However,
this is subject to the Railways domain. The reaction of the CGHS Directorate
has to be watched.

National Unions on Agitational path: Following is from the
Govt staff website (May 19, 2018) on ‘National strike’ :

(Quote)

STRIKE
DECLARATION NATIONAL CONVENTION OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

2018 JUNE 10th SUNDAY – 10 AM
TO 5 PM - AT HYDERABAD

VENUE : SUNDARAYYA VIGNANA
KENDRA, BAGHALINGAMPALLY.

* SCRAP
NPS. RESTORE DEFINED PENSION SYSTEM TO ALL

*
HONOUR ASSURANCE GIVEN BY GROUP OF MINISTERS. INCREASE MINIMUM PAY AND FITMENT
FORMULA.

04.30 PM : Summing up of
Discussion and adoption of Strike Declaration Resolution.

05.00 PM : Vote of thanks

by : COM. V.NAGESHWARA RAO
President, C.O.C, AP & Telengana States.

LEADERS
& DELEGATES – PLEASE NOTE

Convention
will commence at 09.30 AM itself. Time schedule will be strictly followed. All
leaders and delegates of affiliated organisations are requested to reach the
venue before 09.30 AM.

TO
ALL AFFILIATES/NATIONAL SECRETARIAT MEMBERS:

Please
ensure participation of delegates as per quota fixed to each affiliates/C.O.Cs.
Please issue separate circulars and also
give wide publicity.

(Unquote)

Provisional
Pension:The front page of April
issue of ‘Bharat Pensioner’ (BPS New Delhi) has screamed ‘Railway
Administration insensitive to widows’!It refers to a case wherein even after 23 years, sanction of Family
pension has NOT been issued, when her husband died in harness. Again, in the
April issue of ‘Pensioners Digest’ (Karnataka CGPA, Bangalore), we mentioned of
a newsitem from ‘Deccan Herald’ (March 22), wherein a pension case of R Sethumadhavan
was settled after 27 years. Thirdly, erald’
(<March 22)HH

we have been repeating
that a family pension case is on our hands, wherein the husband died in 2001;
and yet, even after 17 years, the case is unsettled. Why then is the provision of
‘Provisional Pension’ in the Rules? The Ministry of Pension ought to come out
with a Directive that, mandatorily, Provisional Pension must be issued within a
month, when the pension case is likely to be delayed for one reason or the
other. (This would even obviate the payment of heavy arrears.)

C G H S:Empanelment of Hospitals:Presumably, as a follow-up of the recent Supreme
Court judgement on Hospitalisation of Central employees/pensioners, whether
empanelled or not; the Railway Board, New Delhi, on 25 April 2018, has issued
the following ‘comprehensive’ Guidelines on Empanelment of hospitals, in the
country. The action/reaction of the CGHS
Directorate is to be seen.

(Quote)

No.2016/H-1/11/58/Policy, d/ dated 25.4.2018,
to The General Managers, All Indian Railways & Production Units,

PCMD/SER vide their letter under reference had
sought necessary guidelines to be followed while empanelling private hospitals
in consequence of powers delegated to the GMs for empanelment of private
hospitals vide Railway Board letter no. 2017/Trans/01/Policy dated 18/10/17 and
to the DRM’s for divisions and CWMs for workshops vide letter
no.2017/Trans/01/Policy/Pt 1 dated 30/11/17. Such powers are to be exercised by
the delegated officers in person and shall not be delegated below. Hence now no
proposal for empanelment is required to be sent to Railway Board.

A comprehensive guideline for procedure and
checklist to be followed while empanelling private hospitals are being issued
as per Annexure enclosed. Any new guidelines issued from MoH & FW as and
when issued shall be duly incorporated and advised.

This is in surprise (supercession) of all
earlier guidelines issued from Railway Board on this subject.

This issues with the concurrence of the
Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

2. Justification for empanelment with
technical aspect i.e. number of beds / facilities/specialties/services
offered/medical set up etc. at the proposed hospital.

3. Total number of Railway beneficiaries
catered by the Railway Hospital.

4. In the Specialties Specialties for which
Railway hospital do not have facilities if there are any reputed Government
Hospitals rendering services in those specialties.

5. In CGHS covered states/cities, hospitals
should be empanelled only at CGHS rates (in case of Government of India, PSU
hospital their own rate) or even lower or some discount etc offered by them.
Names of the hospital empanelled by CGHS / ECHS /ESI can be obtained from
respective website. Even in places not covered by CGHS, all out efforts should
be made to empanel hospital on CGHS (city-specific) rates only. In case of any
deviation from CGHS rates, justification to be given by MD / CMS / CMO in
charge, duly concurred by Associate Finance before being approved by Competent
Authority.

6. Comparative statement of package rates as
well as diagnostic charges of the proposed hospital with (i) other empanelled
hospitals in the city and (ii) the CGHS rates of that city or the nearest city
in tabulated form.

7. Two copies of rate list of hospital duly
verified by competent authority. After approval, one copy along with sanction
letter to be sent to HQ for uploading on Zonal website.

8. Concurrence of the Associate Finance as
applicable along with their verbatim comments

9. Proposal to be sent for approval of GM /DG
(RDSO) /DRM /CAO /CWM as the case may be (both for the first time and as well
as further renewals).

10. Validity of empanelment will be two years
or till it is empanelled or revoked by CGHS / ECHS /.ESI whichever is earlier
and for Government of India PSU hospitals too it will be for two years, Same
for non CGHS / ECHS / ESI hospitals too. Overall performance of the hospital,
patient’s feedback etc. to be kept in mind while extension

11. Further extension may be done with mutual
consent of both parties, arid will be sanctioned by GM /DG (RDSO) /DRM /CAO
/CWM as the case may be (also see para A((a) & B(d)).

(a) In case of CGHS / ECHS / ESI empanelled
& Government of India/PSU run hospitals, a letter of willingness from the
hospital be obtained and can be empanelled any time Rates as and when revised
by CGHS can be agreed to.

B. Other private hospitals which are neither
empanelled by CGHS, ECHS & ESI

a) An open advertisement should be floated
once a year or as per requirement for empanelment of private hospitals.

b) Empanelment of such hospitals should be
considered only if there is no other CGHS/ ECHS / ESI nor any hospital run by
Government of India – Public Sector Undertaking like SAIL, BHEL, Coal India
etc. empanelled hospital, preferably within a vicinity of 5kms from the
hospital already empanelled.

c) Search committee should be constituted by
MD / CMS / CMO, consisting of 3 doctors of at least JAG level and they may
co-opt another doctor of particular speciality when required. They will visit
the hospitals and give clear justification for approving this hospital.

d) For any increase in rates, at the time of
extension same should be justified by MD/CMS/CMO and concurred by Associated
Finance and accepted by the concerned competent authority. If such increase in
rates is more than 5%, the proposal duly justified by medical in charge and
vetted by associate finance and approval of DRM /CWM in case of Division and
workshops to be sent to Headquarters for sanction of General Manger. In case of
headquarter controlled Central hospitals and Pus, General Manager / DG*(RDSO)
will approve such proposals. However, no enhancement in rate is permissible
during that period of recognition of two years.(Unquote)

Treatment of cancer:The Ministry of
Railways, New Delhi, has issued the following Circular d/ 25 April 2018, on the
subject.

M/s Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai
has been accorded permanent recognition for cancer treatment of Railway medical
beneficiaries. Such beneficiaries are referred to Tata Memorial Centre through
Central/Western Railways. In many cases, it is noted that when cancer patients
from zones other than Central and Western Railways are referred to Tata
Memorial Centre Mumbai, they have to go back to parent zones for getting approval
of expenses if the amount of advance to be sanctioned for treatment exceeds
certain limit. Such situations put unnecessary hardship to Railway medical
beneficiaries who have to run from Mumbai to their parent zones located at
far-off places for getting necessary approvals. In view of this, the issue of
providing a permanent relief in such situations has been under consideration of
Railway Board for sometime.

After
careful consideration in the matter, it has now been decided that the proposals
for sanction of advance in favour of Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai in cases of
Railway medical beneficiaries from all zones who have initially been referred
to TMH/Mumbai by Central/Western Railway and have been recommended Bone Marrow
Transplant (MBT) by TMH/Mumbai, will be processed and advance sanctioned with
the approval of Competent Authorities of Central/Western Railways through whom
the patient has been referred to the hospital. After sanction, Central/Western
Railway will raise debit to the concerned zone which that zone would be bound
to accept. The sanction of advance amount will be limited to the financial
limit contained in PGI/Chandigarh letter dated 28.10.2016 (copy enclosed) or
subsequent instruction on the subject of BMT issued by CGHS. Also, before sanction
of medical advance, an undertaking may be obtained from railway medical
beneficiary to the effect that charges incurred on treatment beyond the
prescribed financial limit for BMT procedure will be borne by him/her and no
reimbursement claim to the effect will be preferred.

This
issues with the approval of Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.

Sd,(R.S.Shukla)Joint Director/HealthRailway Board.

Back home:Back home, we have a
good Shankar Cancer Hospital in Shankarapuram, Bangalore.

Wellness Centre 4, Ulsoor:This WC has been shifted to No.4, I and II floor, No.669, HBR
Main Road, I stage, II block, HBR Lay-out, Bangalore 560023 (Near BDA complex).
WC 4 will hence remain closed from June 11 to 19. Please have the services at
other WCs. The new WC will be HBR WC 4. (Shri S Radhakrishna, General
Secretary, CC CGPA-K, has intimated this by WhatsApp.)

The
State scene

Karnataka
Assembly elections:Elections to 224-member
Karnataka Legislative Assembly were held on May 12 – peacefully. Elections from
2 constituencies remained countermanded. BJP won 104, Congress 78, Janata Dal
(S) 38, and Independents 2. BJP staked claim. Shri BS Yeddyurappa was sworn as
the Chief Minister on May 17, on a direction from the Apex Court. He declared
‘hit wicket’, as he could not brave the majority-show on May 19. Subsequently,
the Congress-Janata Dal(S), which had also staked claim to form the Govt,
remained fortunate, and JD-‘king maker’ Shri HD Kumaraswamy himself was sworn
in as the Chief Minister on May 23. He brought an array of national leaders,
who remained anti-BJP, for the gala ceremony, before the Vidhana Soudha. The
Congress which ruled for five years earlier appeared pleased with the post of
Deputy Chief Minister in G Parameswara. Shri Kumaraswmy now rules on a ‘sticky
wicket’. We have to watch how long this rule lasts. (This is the position as on
May 31.)

‘Deccan Herald’
d/ May 24 editorially cautioned the Congress-JD(S) combine not to ‘squander
this opportunity’; and come up with ‘positive agenda’, unlike the performance
in the preceding tenure. We watch.

One more Bharat Ratna, please:Literary writers,
scientists and even sportsmen are Awarded the highest country’s honour of
Bharat Ratna. Karnataka has now a centenarian, philosopher, philanthrophist,
educationist and great religious leader. He is 111 years old, at present. He
started Siddaganga educational institutions way back in the 1940s, ‘in thatched
huts’ – with a phalanx of bright faculty members in the state. He has the
distinction of providing meals daily at the Mutt, for over 10,000 persons now,
starting from 2000 members. Verily because of this institutional kingdom, a
University has come up about two years back at Tumkur. Politicians and others
adore him, for his simplicity and service to society. He is Sri Shivakumaraswamy,
head of the Siddaganga Mutt. May we
request the Government at the Centre to consider him for the award of Bharat
Ratna? (Indeed, I had sent a mail to the Hon’ble MOS(PP) before the State
elections, on this proposal.)

The
Local (Assns) scene

Annual General Body MeetingS :(i) The BPS New Delhi has
announced its 63rd Annual Meet at Vijayawada (AP) on 29 November
2018. Intending delegates may contact C S Rayulu on his Mobile 09908483769,
e-mail : csrayulu@outlook.com.

(ii)The Karnataka
P&T Pensioners Assn has proposed to hold its 23rd AGB at
Bengaluru on 9 September 2018.

(iii)The Karnataka
IA&AD Pensioners Assn has also proposed to hold its 8th AGB at
Bengaluru in September 2018 ( with date not decided).

(iv) The Karnataka CGPA proposes to hold its 41st AGB
in August-September 2018, depending on the receipt of Auditor’s report. (This
is stated as a few members have made enquiries in this behalf.)

BPS on Introspection of what pensioners
need:In the issue for May 2018
(Pps 2&5), the BPS has opened its heart on ‘What pensioners got, What they
lost’, in the last couple of years. It opines that the loss is mostly because
the pensioners and their associations speak in different voices. It said
further that the Revision of PPOs and Receipt of arrears therefor, as a result
of OM d/ 12 May 2017, has still not been completed. It proclaimed “Our almost
50% of issues will get resolved if only the Service matters and Pension issues which
have attained legal finality are uniformly implemented for all similarly placed
persons, without pushing each one of the pensioner to seek redress from court
for the same issue/grievance. Supreme Court itself has said so several times.
(Also vide Editorial on Litigation policy, supra page 1)! Next, it emphasised
the need for one Departmental/Ministerial agency to look after the Health Care
of all pensioners, instead of the present multifarious agencies. It admitted
that the aged pensioners cannot embark on delegations, representations and
agitations, to seek redressal of issues. It wanted the Govt to open a separate
window for the pensioners, and the present Ministry to be more helpful. Good
thoughts.

BPS on Digital technology:More than once, the BPS has harped
on the Pensioners and their Assns to depend on or take to Computer-oriented
communications, to be on a broader basis. It has emphasised on ‘Twitter’
technology too.On my part, I would like
to state that the Pensioners Assns are really manned by aged pensioners because
of their interest in ‘social service’. What they are doing is beyond their
qualification. Those who are highly computer-savvy are not available to these
Assns. The Dept has introduced PFMS procedure to show up transparency in expending
the Grant-in-Aid amount. The result is yet to be seen, as the present computer
operators in the Assn offices are still immature to rise to the requirement.
Quite a high number of pensioners use the computer or even the smart phone as a
refined typewriter only, with the addition of e-mail despatches. Beyond this,
the pensioners or their associations may not rise, I am afraid. Nor are these
associations prepared to pay tens of thousands to skilled technical personnel
to run the pensioners’ associations.

Karnataka
CGPA

The Assn is seized with three Grievances.

(i)A Govt servant expired in June 2001. The Zonal Dept made out
Pension case and sent it to HQ in Delhi in 2003. The HQ office shifted from one
place to another, and reported to us stating that these papers are lost, when
we approached it in 2016 for redressal. The family-pensioner designate culled
out the papers available with her, and sent them to HQ. She approached the
Assn. We registered the Grievance under the CPENGRAMS, and wrote to the MOS(PP).
With his intervention in 2016, the papers moved. The HQ asked for different
documents, later found to be unnecessary! Again in early this year, the MOS(PP)
intervened, on our plea. Recently in May 2018, an office-bearer of this Assn
visited that office to expedite the issue of Family PPO. We are told that it
has gone to the EPFO at Wazirabad, and it could take ‘two months’. We wait.

(ii)Another pensioner took VRS in 1984. He was given a PPO number.
Years later, the Pension-drawing Bank informed him that his PPO number has
changed, and gave a number. This number appears on the CPAO-website too. But,
the CPAO states that it came into existence in 1990, and it does not have his
papers. The pensioner needs a PPO-document up-dated with his spouse details.Our
Assn office bearer visited the PAO unit in New Delhi in May 2018. The case
officer just states that he cannot do anything unless the pensioner’s details
appear on his computer screen. The pensioner as such is sick and is 85 years,
paying no attention to anything. We pursue.

(iii)A third person from Odisha approached the President about a
month back. He said that his father, a pensioner, expired two years ago. He
(surviving son) is physically handicapped. His sister is a divorcee. They
represented to the Dept for family pension, about two years ago. Our Assn
office-bearer visited this office too in May 2018; and the result is the Odisha
papers are not traceable. We have subsequently got these papers from the son,
and are in the process of handing over them to the Dept, for further action. We
shall follow up.

The Elites:In keeping with the
tradition of the Assn for the last 10
years, we would honour those who have crossed 75 years, as on January 1, 2018.
They should have been a member of this Assn for at least one year before Jan 1.
Please offer your nominations, with details of proof of date of birth, and
telephone number. We would however compile our own list. We request the members
not to rush details in the last minute. Any claim for the honour will not be
entertained, at the venue of the AGB, and they may have to go without the
memento, please.

Payments received:Following payments have been received during MAY 2018. 3 members have paid Rs 5000 each, 1 member has paid Rs 2000 and 8
members have paid Rs 1000+.We thank
them all, dearly.

Name

M.

NO.

Receipt No.

Dona-

Tion

Other

M Fee

PD SubsRs.Year

Remarks

Ananda MB

1310

1976

500

250

18-20

New member

Anantharaman KV

009

1975

1200

Appachoo PK

013

2007

2000

500

21-26

Ashok Kumar Sahani

1154

1977

125

18-19

Ayachit AG

1055

2016

1500

500

18-22

Balasubramanie K

1157

2017

500

18-22

Bansi Ram Verma

1309

2003

500

125

18-19

New member

Baskar Govind Wanikar

1231

1978

500

500

18-22

Gowrishankar

104

2008

125

18-19

Guptan VK

591

2019

500

Hayavadana Rao D

797

2001

1000

250

22-24

Karmadi VS

851

1974

500

250

19 -21

Keshava Das HA

1042

1980

125

18-19

Krishnappa C

1985

500

Madappa KA

734

2005

125

18-19

Menon KS

711

2015

5000

Mohanthy PC

1271

2006

125

18-19

Moorthy PNR

1087

2010

750

250

20-22

Nagaraja Sharma R

225

1984

250

17-19

Padmanabhan K

280

2020

5000

Pillai TGM

1038

1982

1000

500

18-22

Prathimaben K Bhatt

(GM Halvadia)

---

2011

100

Raghavendra Rao B

1033

1981

200

125

18-19

Ramakrishna NK

833

1983

1000

500

18-22

Rao CVC

726

1935

5000

Ravishankar M

898

2021

500

18-22

Saiyed Ankleshwar AP

(GM
Halvadia)

---

2012

100

Santha Raja A, Smt

992

1979

1000

125

18-19

Shah Botad VK

(GM
Halvadia)

---

2013

100

Srinivasan K Dr.

1052

2002

1000

Srinivasan PG

868

1986

1000

Subbarayappa A

1156

2018

250

18-20

Vedagiri KR

506

2014

750

250

20-22

Venkata Rao S

812

2004

500

Vinayakumar M

1311

2009

500

500

18-22

New member

The above statement includes Donations from members,
who received Arrears post-OM d/May 12, 2017, on pension re-fixation. The others
may also kindly donate, as and when they receive the arrears.

New
members enrolled:Following
THREE members have been enrolled during May 2018. We welcome them, and wish
them well.

Sunday Herald magazine of ‘Deccan Herald’
(May 27) carried a front-page on ‘Views on Retirement’. It is very interesting.
Given are varied opinions therein.

(Quote)‘The Decision to be Done’: Queen Elizabeth is 92
years old. American pop singer Tony Bennet is 91. Philanthrophist Warren Buffet
is 87. Bollywood star Amigtabh Bachan is 75. Yet,none of them is showing any
sign of fatigue or an inclination to retire………Khushwant Singh, who died at the
age of 98, wrote almost till his last breath….Robert Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for
nearly 40 years and he was deposed at 92…..Playboy (magazine) founder Hugh
Hefner had his ‘final call’ when he was 91.

But,
many young people today plan to hang up their boots……Retiring early requires
several years of planning.

Shashikant
Bharadwaj, 21 years, believes in starting early and retiring
young………..Financial stability is a must, agrees Meena Gupta, who quit her
high-flying IT career in the US and returned to Bangalore to work among
deserving children……..Ravi Kumar, who left a comfortable Corporate job,
disagrees ‘You will never be able to take the plunge until you have amassed
enough wealth……Journalist Joseph Hoover retired at 48 to take to wild life
conservation….Preeti Nagaraj of Mysuru says ‘I retired at 37, and am loving
every bit of it.’…..M A Deviah, an editor with a Washington-based bank,
believes there is no connection between one’s job and passion. ‘I am now 62 and
do not intend to retire at least for the next 10 years.’….Hyderabad-based
Shailesh Reddy, working for 20 years in a satellite news channel, decided to
call it a day, when he was 40, because he realised he could not bring any
qualitative change in the society through ‘commercial channels’. He now works
for Telangana government, which runs two television channels, which has now
reached an audience of Seven million, in providing ‘distance education’…..S N
Praveen decided to call it a day after 30 years in marketing and sales. He
wanted to become a ‘socio-preneur’ and now runs a home for senior
citizens….Veena Raghu, an assistant professor of law, looks forward to settle
in Coorg to look after her coffee plantation….Ujwala Balajee, a former teacher,
took early retirement, and regrets now.

Kiran
Setty, a practising lawyer from Mysuru, says 80% of Indians do not retire. They
work until death…..Prashant B P, a finance and accounting professional,
contends ‘Yes, all of us want to retire early. But, have we earned enough to
support ourselves for the rest of our lives?’…Aiyanna Nellamakkada, a legal
manager, states ‘Our retirement age is determined by our commitment to life and
family’……Mohan Katarki, an advocate, and Yeshwant Gangaiah, a nephrologist,
from Tumkur, argue that 50 is too early an age for lawyers and doctors to
retire, because they stabilise only around 40 years age…..Gurugram-based
Rajeswari Jagtap opines ‘Women can never retire. It is a 24/7, 365-day job’.

So,
what is the right age to retire? Krishnamurthy Srinath of Bengaluru sums it up
perfectly when he says ‘There is no right or wrong age. Retire only when you
are tired, not only physically, but also emotionally.’(Unquote)

To All
the Pensioners Associations included in the SCOVA vide Resolution dated
31.01.2018

Sub:-
Minutes of the 30th SCOVA meeting held under the chairmanship of Hon'ble
MOS(PP) on 23.03.2018, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi-reg.

Please
find enclosed herewith the minutes of the 30th Meeting of Standing Committee of
Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held under the chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS(PP) on
23.03.2018, at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi for your kind perusal. Encl: as
above

Sd (Charanjit Tan ja) Under Secretary to the
Government of India

Minutes of the 30th Meeting of Standing
Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) held on 23.03.2018 under the
chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS(PP) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi

The 30th meeting of Standing Committee of
Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) was held under the chairmanship of Hon'ble MOS(PP)
on 23.03.2018. List of participants is enclosed.

2. Joint
Secretary (P) welcomed the representatives of Pensioners Associations and the
participating officers from various Ministries/Departments

3. He
mentioned that some issues of the last SCOVA meeting have been resolved. Two
review meetings were held with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on
05.06.2017 and with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, CPAO, Ministry of
Defence, Department of Telecom and Department of Financial Services on
09.01.2018 to resolve issues pending in SCOVA.

4. Thereafter, the Action Taken Report on the
decisions of the 29thSCOVA meeting and Fresh Agenda Items of the 30th SCOVA
meeting were taken up for discussion.

5.
Discussion on the Action Taken Report of 29thSCOVA meeting Revision of PPOs of
pre-2006 pensioners. CPAO, Ministry of Railways, Department of Telecom and
Department of Posts informed that revision of pension w.e.f 01.01.2006 in
respect of all pre-2006 pensioners has been completed. CGDA informed that out
of a total of 1,39,504 Air Force Pensioners drawing pension as on 01.01.2016,
76591 were identified as pre2006 pensioners. Revised authority in respect of
69,595 pre-2006 pensioners has been issued. However, revised PPOs in respect of
6996 pensioners were yet to be issued. These cases are pending due to
non-matching of records (PPO No.) provided by PDAs with the records available
with Pension Sanctioning Authorities (PSAs). Banks are also not able to
intimate correct PPO numbers in these cases. He informed that efforts are being
made to identify these 6996 pre-2006 pensioners. The Air Force Association
contested the claim of CGDA that there are only 1,39,504 Pre-2006 Air Force
Pensioners. It was brought out by the Secretary Air Force Association that in
Mar 17, the Raksha Mantri while giving an answer to Lok Sabha Starred question
had indicated the figure as 2,05,942. Further, as late as Feb 18, the JCDA (AF)
has shown the figure as 2,60,895 Air Force Pensioners in an excel sheet marked
as "CPPC wise, no. of pensioner-airforce" and sent to Directorate of
Air Veterans, (DAV) Air HQ on their CD. As regards the number of pre-06 Air Force
Pensioners for whom Corr. PPOs have not been issued, the number is close to
1,00,000 and not 6,996 as stated by CGDA. It was decided that CGDA will
reconcile the figures of all pending cases of revision of pension of pre-2006
pensioners in consultation with Directorate of Air 1 Veterans, Air HQ and issue
revised authority in respect of all the pre-2006 pensioners along with their
7th CPC Pension revision. CGDA will also take urgent action to identify the
6996 pre-2006 pensioners and issue revised authority, where necessary. It was
decided that the CGDA will fix a target date of around 3 months for completion
of these activities. Subject to this, the item was closed in respect of all
other Departments. (Action: CGDA)

(ii). Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners
including those residing in NonCGHS area.

Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare informed that final EFC Memo regarding
finalization of Health Insurance Scheme was submitted more than a year ago and
that the matter was pending with Department of Expenditure. Director (E.V),
Department of Expenditure said that the proposal is not pending with his
Division and it may be pending with some other Division in the Department of
Expenditure. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was advised to follow up the
matter with Department of Expenditure for taking a final decision in regard to
EFC Memo. (Action: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Department of
Expenditure)

(iii). Special "Higher" Family
Pension for widows of the war disabled invalidated out of service. Department
of Ex-servicemen Welfare informed that the matter has been examined in
consultation with Service Headquarters. In accordance with the relevant rules,
on death of a pensioner in receipt of disability pension, only the normal
family pension is allowed. Therefore, Special Higher Family Pension for widows
of war disabled pensioners is not permitted under the rules. It has therefore
been decided, in consultation with Defence (Finance), that the request for
Higher Family Pension in such cases cannot be accepted. (Action: Department of
Ex-servicemen Welfare)

(iv). Extension of CGHS facilities to P&T
pensioners. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that CGHS facility
has been extended to all pensioners of P&T Department vide Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare OM dated 19.07.2017. In view of this, the item was
closed.

(v).
Conversion of Postal Dispensary at Cantt. Road Cuttack to CGHS Wellness Centre.
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare informed that on the recommendations of
the 7th CPC, a comprehensive proposal for merger of all Postal Dispensaries in
CGHS has been under examination in consultation with Department of Posts. This
involves the issue of filling up of vacant posts in such P&T dispensaries.
After firming up a 2 proposal in consultation with Depatment of Posts, the
matter will be referred to Department of Expenditure for their approval.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the process is likely to be
completed in 3 months time. The proposal for merger of Postal Dispensary at
Cuttack in CGHS and P&T dispensaries in other cities would be considered as
a part of comprehensive proposal for merger of P&T dispensaries in CGHS.
(Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

(vi). Anomaly in fixation of pension of DoT
employees who were absorbed in BSNL between 01.10.2000 and 30.07.2001. DoT
informed that Hon'ble CAT in its order dated 16.12.2016 has allowed the
petition filed by some absorbee BSNL pensioners who retired during 01.10.2000
and 30.07.2001. DOT has filed a writ petition in Delhi High Court against order
of Hon'ble CAT. Hon'ble High Court has granted stay on implementation of
Hon'ble CAT's order. The case will come up for hearing in High Court in
October,2018. DoT has separately moved a proposal to Department of Expenditure
on a formulation suggested by DoPPW. Department of Expenditure has sought
financial implications on the proposal. DoT is compiling information and would
submit the same to Department of Expenditure. (Action:- Department of Telecom
and Department of Expenditure) (vii). Extension of benefit of upgraded Grade
Pay to pre-2006 retirees of S-12 grade (Issue of grant of grade pay of Rs.
4600/- instead of Rs. 4200/-) It was informed that CAT, Bangalore Bench and
High Court of Karnataka have in some cases allowed the grant of grade pay of
Rs. 4600/- to pre-2006 pensioners who retired from the pay scale of Rs.
6500-10500/- In order to avoid the contempt action. DoT has implemented the
orders of Hon'ble CAT/High Court in respect of the petitioners only.
Director(PP), Department of Pension & PW informed that a proposal for
extending the benefit of grade pay of Rs. 4600/- for revision of pension of all
pre-2006 pensioners who retired from the pre- revised pay scale of Rs.
6500-10500/- was earlier referred to Department of Expenditure. However, the
proposal was not agreed to by Department of Expenditure. The matter has again
been referred to Department of Expenditure for reconsideration on 22.02.2018.
Department of Expenditure was requested to expedite their decision in the
matter. (Action:- DoPPW and Department of Expenditure)

(viii). Merger of Survey of India Dispensary
at Dehradun in CGHS on the same lines as P&T. Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare informed that the proposal regarding merger of Survey of India
Dispensary under CGHS in Dehradun has been agreed to by Surveyor General of
India and the matter is being examined in consultation with Mbo 3 Science &
Technology. A committee has been formed comprising officers from Survey of
India and Directorate General of CGHS to sort out the issue regarding merger of
Survey of India Dispensary in CGHS. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
informed that a good progress has been made in this regard and a decision is
likely to be taken in a month's time. (Action: Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare)

(ix). Stoppage of recovery of wrongful/excess
payments from Railways Pensioners. Ministry of Railways informed that vide
Railway Board's letter no. 04.05.2017, instructions have been issued to all
Zonal Railways to provisionally stop recovery from the pensioners till further
advice from the Railway Board which will be issued on receipt of instructions
from Department of Expenditure. Ministry of Railways informed that the
Department of Expenditure has desired certain information. The information is
being collected from all Zonal Railways and Production Units. After compiling
the information, the matter will be resubmitted to Department of Expenditure
for approval. N.F Railways Pensioners Association, Uttarapara Central Govt.
Pensioners Welfare Association and Railway Pensioner Association, Mysore
mentioned that in spite of circular dated 04.05.2017, certain Zonal Railways
and Public Disbursing Banks in some zones, e.g North- East Frontier Railway and
Eastern Railway, were still continuing with recoveries from the pensioners. It
was also mentioned that although the instructions issued by Railways provide
for refund of the recoveries made, these instructions have not been
implemented. Ministry of Railways was advised to look into these issues and
take up the matter with the concerned Zonal Railways, and the Banks and ensure
that the instructions issued by Railway Board were duly implemented. The
concerned Pensioners' Associations will provide details of cases where instructions
dated 04.05.2017 have not been implemented and recovery is continued from the
pensioners. Ministry of Railways was also advised to expedite a final decision
on the issue of recoveries in consultation with Department of Expenditure.
(Action: Ministry of Railways)

(x).
Delay in commencement of family pension to spouse on death of pensioners. It
was mentioned that instructions issued by DoPPW/CPAO provide that family
pension to widow should commence within one month of the receipt of death
certificate in respect of deceased pensioner. However, widows and other family
members of the deceased pensioner continue to face a lot of difficulties in
getting the family pension started. CPAO informed that they have obtained
information regarding time taken in commencement of family pension from all
banks. The report prepared by CPAO confirms that there has been considerable
delays by the banks in commencement of family pension on death of pensioner.
The family pension commenced within stipulated period of one month was only in
only 38% in cases. In around 47% cases, the time taken for commencement of
family pension was more than 6 months. CPAO informed that they have again
issued instructions to all the banks on 30.01.2018 and had also taken a meeting
with these banks on 31.01.2018 to impress upon them the need for ensuring that
the family pension commences within the stipulated one month period. Department
of Pension and PW has also taken up the matter with Department of Financial
Services on 07.02.2018 forwarding a copy of the report received from CPAO and
requesting them to advise all Banks to adhere to the timeline. DFS was
requested to take up the matter with the banks at highest level to make sure
that the families of the deceased pensioners get the family pension in time and
an acknowledgment is invariably given by the Bank to the family member on
receipt of the death certificate of the deceased pensioner and application for
commencement of family pension. CPAO was advised that the representatives from
DFS may also be invited in meetings held by CPAO with the banks. Tamil Nadu
Ex-services League informed that the issue is also concerned with Defence
Family Pensioners and there are number of delayed cases. They also handed over
the list of delayed cases to the DFS. Uttarpara Central Govt. Pensioners
Association representative said that carrying on payment of pension by banks
after receipt of death certificate from spouse etc. causes subsequent
complications and delay in start of family pension, be stopped by banks.
(Action:- CPAO, Department of Financial Services, CGDA and DoPPW)

(xi). Timely (i) Restoration of commuted
pension and (ii) Commencement of Additional Pension on attaining the age of 80
years by the Banks. Director (PP), DOPPW informed that as per the reports
received from CPAO, in more than 83% cases during 1.10.2016 and 30.09.2017,
commuted pension was restored after a period of 12 months from the date it was
due. The report of CPAO also reveals that in 87% cases, the additional pension
to old pensioners was started more than 12 months after the date when it was
due. Secretary (P&PW), observed that situation is really grim and it cannot
be allowed to continue. JS(Pension), DoPPW emphasized the need for making
suitable modifications in the software for automatic restoration of commuted
value of pension and commencement of additional pension/family pension.
Department of Financial Services (DFS) was advised to instruct banks in this
regard. CPAO informed that the instructions have been issued to CPPCs of the
banks from time to time to ensure restoration of commuted pension and
commencement/enhancement of additional pension. The matter was also discussed
by the CPAO with the banks in the meeting held on 31.01.2018 and the banks were
directed to make necessary provisions in the software for timely restoration of
5 commutation and commencement of additional pension. CPAO also requested that
all CPPCs should have their e-mail id and contact number. Software should also
have date of birth of family pensioners. CPAO informed that CGA is in the
process of developing a common software for banks which will take care of
problems relating to delay in restoration of commuted pension and commencement
of additional pension. (Action:- CPAO, Department of Financial Services and
DoPPW)

(xii).
Item wise details of payment made to be shown in the pass books of pensioners.
DFS representative informed that instructions to the banks have been issued in
January, 2018 in this regard. DoPPW mentioned that only SBI is implementing
these instructions to some extent and other banks are not providing the details
to pensioners. DFS was requested to issue fresh instructions to all the Banks
in this regard. CPAO representative informed that the details regarding pension
paid during last 24 months can be accessed from their website. Joint Secretary
(P) said that Ministry of Railways should also explore the feasibility of
similar provisions in their software ARPAN. (Action:- CPAO, Department of
Financial Services, DoPPW and Ministry of Railways)

(xiii). Additional Pension for recipients of
disability pension of age of 80 years and above. Department of Ex-servicemen
Welfare informed that orders in this regard have been issued by Department of
Ex-servicemen Welfare vide their letter dated 05.09.2017. The item was
accordingly closed.

(xiv).
Upgradation of Polyclinic at Bajaj Nagar, Jaipur. Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare informed that the matter has been discussed with NIC. The NIC has
informed that messages on medicines are already being sent through SMS.
However, detailed information of medicines and investigation reports cannot be
sent through SMS, for which the e-mail will be captured. Ministry of Health
& Family Welfare informed that upgradation of Polyclinic, Jaipur has already
been completed. The Association raised the issue of replacement of old
equipments for Eye and ENT treatment. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
informed that these issues will be considered on receipt of a request. Ministry
of Health & Family Welfare stated that an officer of the Department will
visit Jaipur in April, 2018 to sort out all the pending issues relating to the
dispensary. (Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

(xv). Setting up of CGHS Wellness Centre at
Kochi. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that the proposal for
opening of 8 new CGHS Wellness Centres in the country, including one at Kochi,
has been referred to the Department of Expenditure. Further action for opening
of wellness centre at Kochi will be taken on receipt of approval from the
Department of Expenditure. (Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

(xvi). Empanelment of Hospitals/ Health Centre
with CGHS in Ambernath/Dombivli. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed
that they prescribe terms and conditions and rates for empanelment of private
hospitals under CGHS. A private hospital in Ambarnath could be empanelled under
CGHS only if such a Hospital applies and accepts the terms and conditions and
rates of CGHS. There was some issue regarding CGHS rates for treatment in
empanelled private hospitals. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare informed
that they have initiated the process for revision of rates based on a new
formula which is likely to attract more private hospitals for empanelment under
CGHS. (Action: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

6.
Discussion on Fresh Agenda Items of 30thSCOVA meeting

(30.1) Revision of PPOs of pre-2016
pensioners/family pensioners as per 7th CPC orders. CPAO informed that out of
9.06 lakh cases, 5,98,400 have been received from PAOs of different
Ministries/Departments. Out of which, 5,13,160 cases have been revised as per
7th CPC. CPAO also informed that revision at their end has been fast, however,
the cases are not coming from the DDO level because of non-availability of
records. The pensioners associations stated that although PPOs have been
revised in many cases, pensioners are not getting the copy of the Revised
Authority. Also, as well as payments have not been started by the banks due to
non-receipt of PPOs by them in many cases. Department of Posts informed that
out of 2,58,205 cases, they have issued revised authorities in respect of
2,17,644 cases. Department of Telecom informed that out of 95,659 cases, 90,572
cases have been revised as per 7thCPC. Ministry of Railways informed that out
of 13,87,542 cases, 8,43,391 cases have been revised. 7 Out of 5,58,761 cases
of Defence Civilian pensioners/family pensioners, revised authority has been
issued in respect of 1,52,417 cases. Ministry of Defence intimated that they
are monitoring the revision of cases of pensioners at highest level i.e by
Secretary (Defence); and CGDA is also monitoring these case fortnightly.
Concordance tables for service pensioners have been prepared and will be
submitted to Ministry of Defence for approval. Pensioners also raised point of
following different guidelines by PCDA(P), Allahabad than the guidelines issued
by CPAO. It was advised to CGDA to issue centralized guidelines so that the
same guidelines are followed in their all units. It was decided the work
revision of PPOs should be completed by all Ministries/Departments (except
Ministry of Defence) by 31.05.2018. Ministry of Defence/CGDA will complete the
work in respect of civilian pensioners by 30.06.2010. Uttarpara Central Govt. Pensioners
Association said that the revised PPO should be sent by issuing authority to
the last known address of Pensioner/Family Pensioner by registered Post to
ensure its delivery. N.F. Railway Pensioners Association raised the issue that
although the PPO has been revised there are lying with the banks and banks are
not revising pension because of shortage of man-power. Ministry of Railways was
advised to hold meetings with the SBI, Assam especially CPPC, Guwahati, Kolkata
and Patna and UCO bank to sort out the problems. (Action: CPAO, Ministry of
Railways, Ministry of Defence, Department of Telecom and Department of Posts)

(30.2). Payment of arrears accruing in respect
of deceased pensioners/family pensioners to the nominee/legal heir. It was
mentioned that payment of life time arrears in such cases is covered by para
23.2 and 23.3 of the Scheme Booklet of CPAO. As per this para payment is made
by the bank to the nominee by a bank pay order after making suitable note on
both halves of the PPO.CPAO was advised to direct all banks to take action
accordingly in these cases. In the context of revision of pension/family
pension of those pensioners/family pensioners who have died on or after
01.01.2016, it was clarified that revised authority needs to be issued in
respect of all such pensioners/family pensioners. It was decided that suitable
instructions in this regard will be issued by DoPPW. (Action: CPAO and DoPPW)

DoPPW informed that the matter has been taken
up with Department of Expenditure. Department of Expenditure informed that the
proposal was under examination with them. (Action:- DoPPW and Department of
Expenditure)

(30.4)
Empanelment of private referral hospitals in each of the districts of the
States in the country. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed that
empanelment of private hospitals is done only in those cities where CGHS
facility exists. Due to referral issue, empanelment of private hospitals was
not possible in non-CGHS areas. The proposal for opening of CGHS wellness
centres in some more cities is under consideration with Department of Expenditure.
Empanelment of private hospitals in these cities will also be considered.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfre also informed that the pensioners in
non-CGHS areas can also avail CGHS facility and thus avail the benefit of
treatment in private empanelled hospitals in CGHS areas. In view of the above,
the item was closed.

(30.5) Revision of CGHS package rates suitable
for attracting more private hospitals for empanelment. Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare informed that the process for revision of CGHS package rates for
medical facilities in private empanelled hospitals has already been initiated
and a new formula has been proposed in this regard for finalization of rates.
This is likely to attract more private hospitals for empanelment under CGHS. (Action:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare)

(30.6)
Fixed Medical Allowance for pensioners who are residing away from RELHS
centres. Ministry of Railways informed that all pensioners are covered under
RELHS. However, in accordance with instructions issued in the year 2011, all
Railway Pensioners residing at a distance of 2.5 kms or more from Railway
Health Clinics can claim FMA after submitting an undertaking that they will not
take OPD treatment from medical hospitals or Railway Health Centres. Therefore,
the contention that the Railway pensioners residing away from RELHS centres are
not eligible for FMA, is not correct. In view of this, the item was closed.

(30.7) Difference in Last Rank held and Rank
for Pension in the case of pre2006 military pensioners. Department of
Ex-servicemen Welfare informed that the pension of pre-2006 pensioners was
fixed w.r.t the pay scale of the rank which was held by the pensioner for a
minimum of 10 months. However, the condition of 10 months service in the rank
is not applicable in the case of post-2006 retirees. It is in this background
that different criteria has been fixed for fixing of rank pension in the case
of pre and post9 2006 pensioners. DoPPW clarified that in the case of civil
pensioners for revision of pension of pre-2016 pensioners, orders have been
issued for fixation of notional pay with respect to the last pay/pay scale of
the pensioners, even if that pay was drawn for one day only. It was decided
that a detailed reference may be made by the Pensioners Associations to
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare bringing out all the issues involved.
Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare will examine the issue afresh and take an
appropriate decision in this respect, in consultation with Department of
Expenditure. (Action:- Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare)

(30.8)
Extension of benefit of Composite Hospitals to CAPF personnel. Ministry of Home
Affairs informed that at present, retiring CPAF and AR personnel can opt only
one of the following three medical options:- (i) CGHS facility for both IPD and
OPD treatment (ii) CGHS facility for IPD and FMA for OPD facility. (iii) CAPF
Medical Cover from Composite Hospitals. MHA stated that they would consider the
proposal of extending medical facility in composite hospitals to retired CAPF
personnel covered under CGHS without charging any additional fee, provided the
pensioners do not avail FMA facility. The Association was advised to submit a
detailed representation to MHA in this regard. MHA was requested to examine the
issue and to take a decision in the matter at the earliest (Action: Ministry of
Home Affairs)

(30.9)
Holding of regular Pension Adalat by all major Ministries/Departments. DoPPW
informed that they had issued instructions to all Ministries/Departments to
held Pension Adalats. Ministry of Defence informed that they are regularly
conducting such adalats. Ministry of Railways, DoT, Department of Posts also
informed that they have been regularly conducting such Pension Adalats.
Representatives of Pensioners associations also confirmed holding of Pension
Adalats by the respective Departments on regular basis. Therefore, the item was
closed.

7. In view of the large number of unresolved
issues relating to banks, it was decided that a special review meetings on
issues related to banks will be taken by Secretary (P&PW). CPAO and
Department of Financial Services will also participate in the meetings.

8.
Hon'ble MOS(PP) said that it had been a pleasant and fruitful interaction,
which is indicative of the efforts being made by the Depaament of Pension &
10 Pensioners Welfare. He said that the SCOVA has made a considerable progress
since first time the SCOVA meetings were convened.

9.
Hon'ble MOS(PP) referred to some recent initiation of the Government for the
benefit of pensioners. For instance, minimum pension has been increased to Rs.
9000/-, ceiling of gratuity has been increased to Rs. 20 lakh, FMA has been
increased to Rs.1000/- per month. Constant Attendance Allowance has been
increased from Rs. 4500/- to Rs. 6750/- w.e.f 01.07.2017. Some benefits
relating to income-tax e.g Standard Deduction, tax-rebate etc.on interest made
available in the Finance Bill, 2018.

10. Hon'ble MOS(PP) referred to a news item
published in some newspapers regarding difficulties in disbursement of pension
in the absence of Aadhaar linkage with the Bank Account. Hon'ble MOS(PP)
clarified that Aadhaar has not been made mandatory for getting pension for
Government employees. Aadhaar is an additional facility to enable use of
technology for submission of life certificate without the need for visiting
banks.

11. On
the question of redressal of pension related grievances, Hon'ble MOS(PP) stated
that DoPPW is the nodal department for receiving grievances through CPENGRAMS.
However, it is for the concerned administrative Ministries/Departments to take
suitable action to redress the grievances. Therefore, DoPPW forwards these
grievances through CPENGRAMS to the concerned officers for disposal in a time
bound manner. DoPPW, however, continues to monitor quality disposal of the
grievances. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks to the Chair